Why Do You constantly Belittle Me? — Peter Of P-Square Writes Open Letter To Paul
Barely two years after their reunion, Nigerian music duo P-Square, consisting of twin brothers Peter and Paul Okoye, have parted ways once again and accused each other wrongdoings.
Their separation comes after their initial split in 2017, which left fans and industry colleagues disheartened. The twins who began their career in 1999, dominated the African music scene for over a decade before their first public fallout.
In 2021, after four years of being estranged, the music duo rekindled their relationship, giving fans hope as they performed together at a concert in Sierra Leone.
However, the reunion was short-lived, as both brothers have now confirmed that P-Square is no more.
In a post shared on his Instagram page on Monday, Peter, popularly known as Mr P, penned a four-page letter addressing his twin brother, Paul, also known as Rudeboy.
He expressed frustration over what he described as Paul’s attempts to undermine his contributions to the group by claiming sole credit for the group’s hits.
Advertisement
The statement read, “My dear brother Paul, Just like I have told you several times, I am not in any competition with you or anybody else. However, seeing you grant countless interviews where you constantly discredit my efforts in the group that we both created and built together really speaks volumes. In your recent interviews, you claimed that you wrote and sang 99% of all P-SQUARE songs and discredited me by saying that our song with TI “EjeaJo,” which I wrote, was a failure. You went as far as using the YouTube views to discredit me once again.
“You never acknowledged the other songs like “Get-Squared,” “Bizzy Body,” “Personally,” “Roll It,”
“Temptation,” “Alingo,” “More than a Friend,” “Shekini,” “Say Your Love,” “Gimme Dat,” “Senorita,” “IGBEdu,” and a few others. Were these songs also considered failures as well?
“Every time I have spoken in interviews about P-SQUARE, I have always used “we” and “us” because I saw us as a team. But whenever you speak, it’s always “I” and “me,” even when I’m standing right beside you. It’s as if I never existed.”
Peter disclosed the issues that led to their initial split in 2017, including misconceptions about their roles in the group and the internal conflicts that arose.
He expressed disappointment that instead of working together to reclaim their spot in the music industry, Paul chose to team up with their elder brother Jude, who Peter accused of trying to marginalise him within the group.
Advertisement
“My brother, neither of us is the most talented artist in the world, but you fail to understand that God gave us this talent and even granted us another chance to excel after our last breakup. Instead, you chose to turn the most awarded and decorated music group in Africa into a laughingstock again.
“One thing you need to understand clearly is that the fans didn’t fall in love with P-SQUARE because of who sang or danced the most. What made us special was the magic that came from our combined effort – us two!
“P-SQUARE was a force, and the fans fell in love with P-SQUARE because of our uniqueness and unity. We both have talent, no doubt, and I have often praised you in our interviews for your songwriting ability. I have also praised anyone who has ever written a song for us or even for me as Mr. P. But instead of showing gratitude for my kind words, you seem to find satisfaction in rubbing it in my face, forgetting that it is by God’s grace that we have come this far.
“Rather than joining forces with me to reclaim our number 1 spot in the music industry, you chose to team up with Jude to claim the number 1 spot in the P-SQUARE group, always looking for opportunities to marginalize and humiliate me.
“You are always claiming to be P-SQUARE’s songwriter, composer, producer, singer, backup vocalist, in fact you are everything including P-SQUARE’s video director, band, promoter, manager, even the choreographer. You are the Author and Finisher of P-SQUARE! In fact, I dash you 100% of everything instead of the 99% you claim. I blame myself for not responding to your tweet claims in April 2015 that you wrote and sang all of P-SQUARE’s songs. I didn’t respond to these false claims for the sake of peace, as advised by family and friends, and now I am paying dearly for it.
“So, my brother, let me ask you: Is Rudeboy or Mr P bigger and more successful than P-SQUARE today? Are we individually selling out arenas and stadiums like P-SQUARE used to? Are we topping world music charts with our songs as solo artists?
Advertisement
“Do we command crowds and entertain massive audiences like P-SQUARE? I often find myself wondering, what do you truly gain by constantly disrespecting and belittling me all the time. You have disrespected my wife, disrespected my family, disrespected my talent, disrespected my ideas, and even sided with Jude when he was clearly trying to oppress me. Now, it feels like you have taken it even further by trying so hard to turn the fans against me by making them believe I’m jealous of you.
“You have been doing everything for the fans to hate me, but guess what? They will never hate me; instead, they will hate us both because we have disappointed and failed them.
“I hope you are happy now. I genuinely wish you nothing but the best, bro! As for those who believe these lies and false narratives and come to my page to drop negative comments, I understand because you have been fed the wrong narrative for a long time.”
Paul had granted an interview with City FM last week, and confirmed that P-Square no longer exists. He stated that the root of their problems began in 2014 with the release of their song ‘Ejeajo’ featuring American rapper T.I.
Paul claimed that Peter had reported him and Jude to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of financial misconduct.
Although exonerated by the EFCC, Paul said he was disappointed that Peter had not apologised for the false accusations.
The tensions between the brothers has left fans to wonder about the future of P-Square, a group that once held the hearts of millions across Africa and beyond.
Peter concluded his statement with a plea for peace, expressing his wish to focus on his music without further public drama. He also promised to address the ongoing EFCC matter involving their former manager and brother Jude Okoye later in the day.
“Please allow me to focus and do my music in peace. As for the EFCC matter, I will address it before the end of today. Stay tuned! Peace,” Peter concluded.